Pittak's Isshinryu Karate

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Isshin-ryu Karate

Isshin-ryu Karate is the one heart method of empty hand fighting founded by Master Tatsuo Shimabuku. It is not a way to violence, but a way to avoid violence if possible and to handle it if not. The Isshin-ryu system combines the Shorin-ryu and Goju-ryu styles. Master Shimabuku (1906-1976) devoted approximately 57 years of his life to Karate. Upon the Master's death his son, Kichiro Shimabuku, became the 10th dan master of Isshin-ryu. He is the current head of the Isshin-ryu World Karate Association (IWKA).

Japanese martial arts are more straight line fighting styles than the circular techniques of their Chinese cousins. Commonly called karate by those of us in the West, Japanese arts range from empty hand martial systems to joint locking and throwing systems to styles devoted entirely to weapons' practice.

The art of karate (kara-te), which means empty hand, is commonly believed to have come to Japan from the island of Okinawa, where fighting with weapons was banned for many years. Ancient Okinawan traders visited China's FukienProvince and brought back the martial techniques of China's southern Shaolin temple. The Okinawans developed such an effective self-defense system that many Japanese masters wanted it as their own. It was brought to the Japanese mainland in 1922 and eventually became the best known Japanese martial art.

Aikido

The Aikido mindset is to view a hostile person not as an enemy, but as someone in need of control and protection. The techniques of Aikido consist of throwing and grappling. Practice involves two people, with one person acting in the role of the attacker and the other performing the technique. Aikido includes both circular and linear movements and techniques usually conclude with the attacker(s) protecting themselves using one of several types of falling techniques.

Iaido

Iaido is a modern, non-combative physical and mental discipline based on the proficient use of the traditional Japanese sword. Among the various Japanese martial arts, it is perhaps the most introspective. Iaido has no self-defense applications. Its exercises are mentally engaging and can be considered a form of meditation.

Kendo

Kendo is Japanese fencing. It is the oldest and most popular among the widely practiced martial arts ways (Budo) in Japan. Training consists of single and paired drills and free practice.

Chanoyu, or the Japanese Tea Ceremony, is the ancient practice of serving tea according to the strict ritual that defines the manner in which tea is prepared and served. The main point in Chanoyu is the appreciation of beauty, simplicity and the spiritual tranquility that forms the essential principals of zen.

Sodo

Sodo, or Japanese Calligraphy, from ancient times has been called "a picture of the heart". Black letters painted in ink are an expression of the painter's spirit and devotion to calligraphy which amounts to a meditation usually associated with the world of prayer.